News

The Newton High School Fine Arts Booster Club is in its 22nd year of providing support that is essential for today's Fine Arts Students. During past years approximately $5000 was donated to the 5 Fine Arts Departments and scholarship dollars that were awarded to NHS Seniors pursuing the Fine Arts during their college years. Also, we are proud to have established the NHS Fine Arts Hall of Fame 14 years ago into which we inducted 1-2 NHS graduates who are using their fine arts background in their current careers.

NHS Executive Board 2016-2017

Jonni Brown, president Sharon Allen, Community Rep

Amy Eckerberg, treasurer Donna Woolery, Teacher Rep

Julie Stenzel, secretary Kim Willems, Board Member

Kenna Graber, Board Member Lisa Moore, Administrative Rep

The Fine Arts Board holds an annual meeting for all parents of Fine Arts Students to attend while no financial contribution is necessary to be a part of our group. We appreciate our parent volunteers at various functions.

The Board will meet and invites all parents to their meeting on Tuesday, August 15 at approximately 8:10 pm following NHS Open House in the Lecture Hall.

Attention: ALL athletes who might participate in ANY sport this school year.

The 2017-18, USD 373 Sports Parent meeting will be held at Newton High School on Thursday, August 10, beginning at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Parents and athletes from ALL seasons are encouraged to attend. The first part of the meeting will include information from the high school and middle school athletic directors. During the second part of the evening, FALL coaches will share information with parents and athletes.

The USD 373 Board of Education will meet on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at the McKinley Administrative Center, 308 E 1st, Newton, KS. This special meeting will be to discuss and approve the Kansans Can School Redesign application.

Enrollment 17-18 Flyer - Spanish

The Newton Athletic Booster Club is the official organization of Newton High and Chisholm Middle School. It is a non-profit organization run by volunteers of high school and middle school parents whose main function is to raise funds for high school and middle school athletics. For more information and ways that you can support the Booster Club, please see the attached flyer.

After meeting with the Athletic Directors in the auditorium, coaches will share information about the coming season with parents and athletes.

August 9 - NHS & CMS Sports Physicals Due

Physicals must be on file at NHS before your athlete can participate. Please take completed physical packets to the NHS athletic office beginning August 1. Packets are available at NHS and CMS offices.

August 14 - NHS & CMS Practices Begin

see FAQs for a list of teams

August 18 - NHS & CMS Pay for Participation Due

PfP fees will be available to pay online through RevTrak beginning with enrollment. Look for the RevTrak button on the top right corner of this page.

Online Free and Reduced Fees will be available to pay the first week of the season.

If the fee is not paid by the deadline, your athlete will have to sit out until paid.

Due to the threat of severe weather, Cooper Early Education Center will be dismissing at 3pm today, Thursday, May 18 to ensure that we can get all students home safely. All other schools will be dismissing at regular times.

Are you looking for a leadership position in the community? Are you interested in education? This is the time to file for school board elections. This fall, the school district electorate will have the opportunity to elect three (3) school board members.

The following message was emailed to parents of 5th -12th students and copies of the letter are available for parents & students to pick up in the office at Santa Fe 5/6 Center, Chisholm Middle School and Newton High School.

Parents & Guardians:

As many of you may be aware, the Netflix show, 13 Reasons Why, has attracted the interest of middle school and high school students nationally.

Here’s some important information about 13 Reasons Why:

The Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, debuted on March 31, 2017, and is trending nationally and is popular in our school community. It is a 13-hour series depicting strong themes of suicide, bullying, sexual assault, drug use, and other social issues. While the show is extremely popular, it is also generating an extreme amount of controversy and concern among mental health experts. Dan Reidenberg, Executive Director of SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) states, “The show does not address mental illness or present viable alternatives to suicide.”

Our counselors would like to offer the following tips:

Watch it yourself, do a little reading, and be aware of the issues in the show.

If your student is watching, take time to discuss the content and perhaps watch it together

Experts feel that the series may be romanticizing suicide and not encouraging teens to seek help from family, trusted adults, or school personnel.

Monitor your student’s social media sites to ensure they are being safe online.

Suicide is NEVER the answer, reaching out for help is key. Prevention, awareness, and support is available at National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.8225 or via text 741741.

If you are concerned about your student encourage them to speak with you, a teacher or a counselor. Suicide is never the answer and is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school if you have any questions or concerns.

The USD 373 Board of Education met on May 1 to hear a report from the demographer as part of the Newton Schools discussion on facility planning. The report is available below and in the resources section of the Vision & Planning page.

Three Newton High School Alumni will be honored at a brunch on Saturday, May 13, 2017 and will also be recognized during the NHS commencement ceremony that evening. The inductees into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame for 2017 are: Dr. Charles Craig, ’63, Sarah Morris Masem, ’96 and Vernon “Reid” Rickman (1929 – 2013), ’47.

The brunch will be held at 10 a.m. in the NHS Media Center and the community is invited. If you wish to attend please RSVP by Friday, May 5 by calling Joni Jantz at 284-6206.

Dr. Charles Craig, ’63, has dedicated his life and career to serving his own local community for almost 40 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Bethel College and his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Kansas School of Medicine before establishing his practice as an orthopedic surgeon in Newton in 1978. During that time Dr. Craig has taken care of thousands of patients in Newton and the surrounding communities. Starting in 1978 he also served as team physician for both Newton High School and Bethel College and began the tradition of accompanying the NHS football team on away games. Dr. Craig is the founder of Newton Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and, as the Chief Medical Officer for Newton Medical Center, is the highest-ranking physician at NMC. He has served as the President of the Kansas Medical Society and as both a physician and patient advocate with the American Orthopedic Association. He remains active in several local, state and national healthcare organizations. In 1997 Dr. Craig received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrator’s Association.

Sarah Morris Masem, ’96, is an accomplished educator, nurse and student. After completing an Associate of Arts degree in psychology at Cowley Community College she earned her Associate of Arts degree in nursing from Hesston College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Tabor College and her Master of Science in Nursing Education degree from Fort Hays State University before being awarded a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Graceland University in 2015. In her current role as Assistant Professor of Nursing at Bethel College, Sarah genuinely cares for the students she is teaching and considers their success a high priority. She is passionate about healthcare in the educational setting as well as the community, serving as a volunteer nurse for the Harvey County Health Department, as a health volunteer with Girl Scouts of America and as Camp Nurse with Camp Wood YMCA. Sarah continues to stay current in the nursing field by maintaining part time employment outside of the classroom as an infection control coordinator and mental health nurse. She has developed both a nurse residency program and nurse preceptor training program for Newton Medical Center.

Vernon “Reid” Rickman (1929 – 2013), ’47, was a talented artist whose stunning and unique works belied his quiet and solitary nature. His unusual artistic talent was obvious from an early age and following high school Vernon spent a year at the Cleveland School of Art before joining the army. His military service enabled him to enroll at the University of Kansas where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1957. The following year Vernon began graduate studies at the Kansas City Art Institute, but ultimately chose to "earn a living" and began working in the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History as a technician in November 1958. When he retired in January 1981 he was working as a senior sculptor. Much of Vernon's Smithsonian work is unaccredited, but the Neanderthal figures he created for the "Ice Age Mammals and the Emergence of Man" permanent exhibit were mentioned at the exhibit’s 1974 opening and remain at the museum today. Until recently, full-sized mannequins of Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, and Rosalynn Carter that he created for the museum’s First Ladies Hall could still be viewed. After retiring back to Newton, Vernon continued the oil painting and sculpting he had done privately in his Washington D.C. apartment and he left behind over 300 oil paintings and numerous sculptures and reliefs at the time of his death. His artwork is now displayed in institutions as well as private homes and many of his pieces can be viewed and purchased locally at the Carriage Factory Gallery.

Newton Public Schools' Online Enrollment for the 2017-18 school year will be open through Friday, May 12. Returning families may enroll their Kindergarten - 12th grade students by logging into their parent portal. Enrollment fees will not be due until after July 1.

Families new to the district (that do not currently have students attending USD 373) may enroll incoming Kindergarten students online through the New Family Kindergarten Enrollment link on the district website or they may complete an online application at Kindergarten Round-up on April 10th.

Newton USD 373 will recognize five “Friends of Education” during the Board of Education meeting on May 8 at 7pm. The community is invited to a reception honoring the recipients at 6:30pm prior to the meeting in the McKinley Administrative Center board room.

Driver's Education classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis A registered student list will be posted in the freshman locker section on or during the the week of May 15. For questions, please contact Verlene Keazer, 316-284-6280, extension 2027.

1st Session: May 30 - June 16, 2017(first session is full)

2nd Session: June 19 - July 7, 2017

The fee for the class will be $275.00 for out of district students. In district student’s fee will be $250.00. There is a fee reduction for reduced or free students, which will be $150.00 for reduced, and $100.00 for free students. A Free/Reduced Application must be on file at USD373 District Office with the waiver marked for Drivers Education. The fee includes rental of a textbook and one Kansas Driver Education Permit.

The completed Enrollment Form and fee must be submitted to the bookkeeper’s office at NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL before your enrollment is finalized. IF PAYING BY CHECK MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL DRIVER EDUCATION; FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE AFTER June 1, 2017. Prior to that date, the district will retain a $20.00 administrative fee. After June 1st, the only refunds given will be for those students denied the driver education permit by the Division of Vehicles in Topeka.

Four students from the Welding Technology program competed in the SkillsUSA competition at Hutchinson, KS. Matthew Whitehurst, from Burrton High School won gold for Welding Sculpture and Kadin McBee, NHS, took 3rd place in Welding. The Welding Technology Program is part of the Career & Technical Education Program at Newton High School.

The Duke Talent Identification Program recognizes academically talented students who take above-level college-entrance exams to learn more about their abilities. Duke TIP then hosts annual recognition ceremonies to honor these seventh graders who have remarkable ACT scores. Each spring, Duke Talent Identification Program holds special award ceremonies to honor the 7th grade students who meet certain score thresholds on the ACT, inviting them and their families to attend and celebrate together. Invitations for the 2017 Kansas State Recognition Ceremony were sent to five qualifying students at Chisholm Middle School in Newton to attend a ceremony at Kansas University on May 7, 2017.

Students qualify for the state ceremonies by earning scores that are approximately equal to the 50th national percentile rank for college-bound seniors taking the test. These Chisholm 7th grade students met that criteria: Andrew Barron in Math and Science; Maddie Duncan in Math and English; Cody Eye in Science; Cody Headings in English and Reading; and Clayton Kaufman in Math, Science, English, and Reading.

In addition, 4% of these students receive Grand Recognition and are invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony at Duke University in Durham, NC on May 21, 2017. Clayton Kaufman received national recognition for his score in Reading.

We are extremely proud to recognize our remarkably talented students who have demonstrated key aspects of their academic potential by achieving very high scores on the ACT,” says Shawna Young, Executive Director of Duke TIP. “As an organization, we cherish the opportunity to celebrate each of our ceremonies’ honorees for such an outstanding accomplishment.”

A Chance to Be Heard About K-12 English Language Arts in Kansas Schools

Standards revisions in English Language Arts affecting Kansas K-12 education in both public and private accredited schools

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is proposing revisions to the current College and Career Ready Standards in English Language Arts. The revisions are part of the legislated review process that must take place every seven years.

The current English Language Arts Standards were approved by the Kansas State Board of Education in December 2010. The public meetings will highlight the changes being proposed by the Kansas Standards Review Committee, which is comprised of educators, legislators, higher education, and other Kansas constituents.

Congratulations to the NHS RailerRobotics team that has qualified for the World Competition in St. Louis! Please consider attending their fundraiser dinner on April 7 &/or supporting them in any way you can.

This spring, the Newton High School Drama Department will be putting on it’s production of Lucky Stiff, written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty . This small cast musical is an upbeat musical murder mystery farce, that will leave the audience dying with laughter. The show opens Friday April 7th at 7:30 pm and there will also be two additional showings, April 8th at 7:30pm and April 9th at 2:30pm at Newton High School, 900 W 12th St, Newton, KS.

The musical centers around Harry Witherspoon, an unsuspecting shoe salesmen who is thrown into a wild situation involving a six million dollar fortune up for grabs, a dead uncle in a wheelchair and a series of mistaken identities.

Pre-registration for incoming Kindergarten students for the 2017-18 school year will be Monday, April 10, 2017 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (come and go) at McKinley Admin. Center OR from 6:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. at your child's home school. Please see the attached flyer for more details and pass this information along to parents that may be interested.

Congratulations to the Chisholm Middle School Science Olympiad team who recently found out that members of the team qualified for the state competition on April 1 in Wichita. More information on the team's achievements can be found at the Newton Kansan.

Congratulations to Newton Team 935 RaileRobotics which won their first regional competition this year in Lubbock, TX on March 4. Read about the impressive competition they faced in the finals at the Newton Kansan.

The Central Kansas Community Foundation-USD 373 Education Endowment invites you to nominate an alumnus of Newton High School for the NHS Distinguished Alumni Award.

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding alumni of Newton High School who have distinguished themselves in a significant way since graduating from high school. It may be someone who has had a highly successful career, or has been an outstanding community leader, or has a commendable record of service to others.

Newton High School has produced a number of outstanding graduates over the years and this award program recognizes their efforts. These alumni also serve as an inspiration for current NHS students, as they strive to create their own personal and professional roles in our community, state, nation and world.

Recipients will be inducted during a reception in their honor in conjunction with NHS commencement activities in May. Recipients’ names will also be added to the NHS Alumni Wall of Fame, located inside the new main entrance to Newton High School.

Ten Newton High School students recently attended the Topeka Model United Nations and represented NHS and their respective countries well. Six of the Newton students attending received medals during the conference. Those receiving recognition as outstanding delegates were:

2nd place for best High School delegation-Bolivia: Erik Brown, Chase Cassil, John Jantzen, Emma Pulaski, Kailei Sidebottom

Sponsors for the NHS students were gifted facilitator coordinators Shari Sloan and Kathy Murphy.

The Topeka Model United Nations is a two day simulation in Topeka, Kansas, designed for assigned student delegations to represent their country's point of view on a variety of topical issues. The simulation is designed to encourage debate, foster cooperation, and assist young leaders to resolve problems diplomatically.

Automotive technology students from Newton High School competed in the Pratt Community College Automotive Contest on Monday, February 27. During the competition, the students took a 115 question timed test covering general automotive topics.

Joel Harms took the top 1st place spot and won a rolling tool cart as well as a full two year scholarship to the PCC auto program. Taking 2nd place was Trevor Koehn, winning a ratcheting wrench sent and a full two year scholarship to the PCC auto program. Tino Varges took 5th place and won a 500 dollar scholarship to PCC.

The team is coached by NHS Auto Technology instructors Cory Unruh and Bob Ziegler.

The community is invited to join Superintendent Dr. Hamm for a series of informal 'Railer Round Tables'. These get-togethers will be a casual, relaxed time to enjoy a cup of coffee and visit with Dr. Hamm about USD 373's comprehensive plan and vision for the next decade.

The next two Railer Round Tables will be held on Thursday, March 2 from 7pm - 8:30pm in the Board Room at McKinley Administrative Center, 308 East 1st St. and on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 11am - 1pm at The Breadbasket Restaurant (Backroom), 219 N. Main St. Free drinks will be available at The Breadbasket.

February is Random Acts of Kindness month! In celebration of this, USD 373 School Counselors and School Social Workers are planning a district wide ‘Newton Be Nice’ event on February 17, 2017 during the NHS Basketball games. This event is supported by the Newton Rotary and Birdies Against Bullying Golf Fundraising Event.

The Newton Area Chamber of Commerce will host a legislative update to hear what our senator and representatives have to say about bills being proposed and passed in the Kansas Legislature. This event will take place on Saturday, February 18th from 9:00 to 10:30 am at Charlie’s Restaurant, 200 Manchester in the East Room. This update is open to all members of the community. The cost to attend this event is free of charge, but each attendee is responsible for his/her own breakfast meal.

February is Random Acts of Kindness month! In celebration of this, USD 373 School Counselors and School Social Workers are planning a district wide ‘Newton Be Nice’ event on February 17, 2017 during the NHS Basketball games. This event is supported by the Newton Rotary and Birdies Against Bullying Golf Fundraising Event. All USD 373 students will get free admission to the games and free hotdogs and water will be available for the first 500 people. Chisholm Middle and Newton High Connections Clubs will be hosting game booths and activities and there will be giveaways and student recognition during the games.

The 2017 Newton High School Winter Sports Week will be held the week of January 30 to February 3 with the theme "Blast From the Past".

A 60's theme with Psychedelic (tie-dye & headbands) and Surf Rock (Hawaiian shirts & bucket hats) Day will kick off the week on Monday, January 30.

Tuesday, January 31 will be 70's themed with Disco (Bell bottoms, afros, sparkly clothes) and Reggae (dreads, sandals, red/green/yellow clothes) the suggested clothing choices for the day. There will be boys & girls bowling meets at Derby in the afternoon followed by home basketball games vs. Salina Central with the Freshman Boy's & Girl's tipping off at 4:15 pm.

Glitz Pop (workout attire, leg warmers, neon colors) and Metal (hair band stuff, wild print and leather) attire will be worn for 80's Day on Wednesday, February 1. The evening activity will be a Badminton Tournament at 7pm.

Thursday, February 2 will be 90's Day with Hip Hop (tracksuits & hats) and Grunge Rock (combat boots, black and flannels) being the theme for the day.

"Railer Day" is slated for Friday, February 3 with home basketball games starting at 4:15 vs. Haysville-Campus. A home-coming dance will follow the varsity boys basketball game. The dress code for the dance will be semi-formal (no jeans or shorts, please)

The Newton High School Career and Technical Education department will host the 2nd annual Building Bridges event on Tuesday, February 21 from 6 - 8:00 PM. The event is designed to make connections between educators, parents, students and business and industry leaders in and around Harvey County.

The evening will start at 6:00 with appetizers prepared by our Culinary Arts students and a time of networking. We will then move to the auditorium for student celebrations of WorkKeys certificates and Career Success awards. Break-out sessions lead by our CTE staff begin at 7:00 PM with conversations centered around a specific group of questions.

Attached is a flyer and the list of questions that the sessions will discuss. We would love to have you join us and be a part of building bridges in our community!

After more than a year of community meetings, Newton Public Schools has outlined several goals and objectives that will help guide the district for the next decade... Complete Comprehensive Plan available at newton373.org

Sixteen findings and recommendations including:

Instructional practices such as project-based learning, Career and Technical Education, critical thinking, and global awareness

Student, staff, and patron safety including storm shelters and protection against retaliation

Communication with the public on a variety of policies including bullying, retaliation, and promoting awareness of website information

Equity in enrollment and adequacy of facility space to meet the needs of 21st Century learners including flexibility, technology, and small and large group instruction

Five phases for addressing the recommendations:

Create and implement a communication plan to share the district’s policies, procedures and BOE information to the community that is active, visible and interactive.

Incorporate the findings of the comprehensive plan into the programs at all grade levels, review the Walton Rural Life charter, and engage a demographer to identify possible boundary modifications.

Begin the process of acquiring property for possible new elementary and create a design team to assist in the preliminary design and planning for existing intermediate, middle and high schools.

Present scope of work and cost to community for consideration and consider the impacts of the cost and work at district facilities before asking the community what they are willing to support.

Nova Latta, 8th Grade English Language Arts teacher at Chisholm Middle School was recently notified that she was a recipient of the Kansas Horizon Award. The Kansas Horizon Award program identifies and recognizes exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.
To read more and to view a video of Nova learning that she was being recognized during a phone conversation with KSDE Deputy Commissioner Brad Neuenschwander please visit the Newton Kansan at www.thekansan.com/…/201701…/cms-teacher-feted-by-ksde.

Newton Public Schools is one of 433 school districts in the U.S. and Canada (and one of only two in the state of Kansas) being honored by the College Board with placement on the 7th Annual AP® District Honor Roll. To be included on the 7th Annual Honor Roll, USD 373 had to, since 2014, increase the number of students participating in AP while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Reaching these goals shows that this district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for AP.

The theatre department will be hosting a Family Night Out on Friday December 9 in the NHS Auditorium. Events will begin at 6:30PM with Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus, face painting and "who-do's", and letters and visits with Santa. at 7:30 we will have a screening of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per person. This is a fundraiser for the NHS Drama Department.

Rachel's Challenge will be presenting to Santa Fe 5/6 Center students on Thursday, November 17.

Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999.Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year. Superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, and students bring Rachel’s Challenge into their schools because of escalating problems such as: bullying, student isolation, teen suicide, discrimination, school violence, and increased disciplinary actions. Through powerful presentations, trainings, community events, and professional development, Rachel’s Challenge provides the sustainable solution. Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day. Rachel’s Challenge renews our hope that our life has meaning and purpose. Rachel’s story gives us permission to start our own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in our schools and communities.

The presentations on the 17th will be at 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to sign in at the school office before the event.

The NHS Railer Marching Band earned a Division 1 Superior rating at the Southern Plains Marching Festival on October 26. This event featured 22 high school bands performing at the Andover District Stadium. NHS also received an "Outstanding Drumline" award.

The NHS Performing Arts departments will be presenting SISTER ACT the musical November 11 and 12th at 7:30 PM and November 13th at 2:00 PM in the NHS Auditorium. Tickets are $9 for Adults and $6 for students 18 and under. to purchase tickets please go towww.showtix4u.com or call 316-284-6280 ext 2412.

Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Actwill leave audiences breathless. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!

Recently, Governor Sam Brownback urged patrons of school districts around the state to speak up about how education is funded. In doing so, he has requested that individuals and boards of education submit recommendations by November 30, 2016.

Given that the Governor has asked for input, and that you as a parent, student, or patron have a vested interest in the quality of the education provided to children in USD 373, what are your priorities? What successful practices are important to maintain? What should be considered as part of the funding formula moving forward?

Parents, staff and community members are invited to come join us in helping to develop long-term goals and strategic plans for USD 373. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 7-8 pm at South Breeze Elementary, 1020 Old Main in the Media Center.

Please click the link above to watch a short video describing a Smartphone Donation Program for Monty Graber's Social Studies Classroom at Chisholm Middle School. Mr. Graber's goal is to get a classroom set of gently used Smartphones to use with Google Cardboard and Google Expeditions Software and Apps.

The Newton High School RaileRobotics Booster Club will be selling Pork Chops at tonight's Homecoming Football Game along with Engineers Hats (Sorry- Railer Chef Hats not available). Come out and cheer on our Railers and don't miss this tasty treat!

Newton High School’s Homecoming Week will be October 3-7. To encourage students to get into the “theme of things” tickets to the Friday evening dance will be given to 2 of the “best dressed students” each day.

Students and staff will kick off the week on Monday with a ‘Color War Day’ with each class being encouraged to wear a designated color. The evening activity will be Freshman (at 4:30pm) & JV (at 6:30pm) Football against Salina Central at Fischer Field.

Tuesday will be ‘Opposite Day’ and there will be a home volleyball triangular meet vs. Derby & Maize at 5pm in Ravenscroft Gym.

Wednesday is ‘Hawaiian Day’ and the evening activity will be float building for the homecoming parade.

Thursday’s theme is ‘Out of the World Day’ and there will be home soccer matches against Maize starting at 5pm at Fischer Field.

Wrapping up the week on Friday, Oct. 7 is ‘Railer Day’ (black & gold everything). A pep assembly will be held for students during the day before the evening’s Homecoming football game against Andover starting at 7pm at Fischer Field, the Homecoming Coronation and Student Dance.

DECA club (Marketing and Entrepreneurship) at the High School is selling custom Railer Cell phone cases as a fundraiser. We use our funds to get us to our State and National competitions.

If you would like to purchase a case you can access the link below or contact me directly. Cases fit Iphone, Samsumg Galaxy, and Samsung Note phones. You will select the case needed when placing your order.

Please join us in downtown Newton this Saturday and help support Harvey County United Way. USD373 participants in this year's Chili Cook-off are Cooper Early Education Center & USD 373 Latchkey/Newton Public Schools.

For questions please contact the school office, or 316-284-6217. We can help you with a payment plan on these fees.

Payment for all textbook fees is due at the time of enrollment, and payments for all other fees are due at the time of purchase. USD 373 is contracted with RECHECK Inc of Wichita, KS to handle collections of unpaid accounts. Unpaid fees may include balances owed for school meals, textbooks fees and materials, pay-for participation fees, lost or damaged books, Latchkey fees and other miscellaneous fees. Additional charges will apply to the accounts submitted for collection. After accounts have been submitted to RECHECK Inc, parents/guardians will correspond directly with RECHECK Inc, and not the district to resolve balances.

8:30 p.m.

The first day of 2016 -17 Latchkey is Wednesday, August 17. Latchkey is available at Sunset, Northridge, South Breeze and Slate Creek Elementary schools. New and returning students must complete a new enrollment form each school year. Enrollment forms are available at all of the elementary schools and may be downloaded at usd373-ks.schoolloop.com/latchkey.

Tickets/Passes are available for purchase and will admit you to all home HS/MS athletic events and music concerts.

Available Passes include the Family Pass for $200, Adult Activity Ticket for $75, or the Student Activity Ticket for $50. Each ticket gets you into both high school and middle school athletic events during the 2016-2017 school year. Tickets and passes do not admit you to athletic invitational, tournament, or state competitions; the pops and jazz concert, drama productions, or special events. High school & middle school athletics are the best entertainment in town, and these tickets are a great value.

Please see the attached information form with pricing for activity tickets, as well as football and basketball reserved seats. In order to allow openings for reserved seats to be filled, the deadline for keeping your seats from last year is 8/25/16. If you have any questions about the tickets, please call Verlene Keazer, NHS Bookkeeper at 284-6280, ext. 2027 or e-mail at verlene.keazer@usd373.org.

Newton USD 373 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Persons having inquiries concerning the District’s non-discrimination policies and compliance therewith may contact the school district’s Compliance Coordinator at 308 E. 1st St., Newton, Kansas, 67114-3846, or call 316-284-6200.